Investigators said Friday they have found the cause of a large, destructive wildfire burning in Mariposa County.Cal Fire said the “discharge of firearms, on public lands, is responsible for sparking the fire.” However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.The fire, called the Detwiler Fire, ignited on July 16 near Detwiler Road and Hunters Valley Road. Nearly 5,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes as the flames continued to spread.As of Thursday evening, the blaze had consumed 81,826 acres and was 97 percent contained.“Firefighters continued working the fire and continued to mop up and patrol lines,” Cal Fire said in a statement. “All fire lines are holding.”The wildfire destroyed 63 homes, 67 minor structures and one commercial structure. Cal Fire said 13 homes and eight minor structures were also damaged.

(KCRA) —

Investigators said Friday they have found the cause of a large, destructive wildfire burning in Mariposa County.

Cal Fire said the “discharge of firearms, on public lands, is responsible for sparking the fire.” However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.

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The fire, called the Detwiler Fire, ignited on July 16 near Detwiler Road and Hunters Valley Road. Nearly 5,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes as the flames continued to spread.

As of Thursday evening, the blaze had consumed 81,826 acres and was 97 percent contained.

“Firefighters continued working the fire and continued to mop up and patrol lines,” Cal Fire said in a statement. “All fire lines are holding.”